Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that primarily affects the skin, causing the rapid turnover of skin cells. This results in the formation of thick, red, scaly patches or plaques on the skin’s surface. Psoriasis can occur anywhere on the body but is most commonly found on the scalp, elbows, knees, lower back, and nails.
The exact cause of psoriasis is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic, immune system, and environmental factors. In psoriasis, the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells, causing inflammation and triggering the accelerated growth of skin cells. This leads to the characteristic thickening and scaling of the skin seen in psoriasis.
Psoriasis can vary widely in severity, with some individuals experiencing only mild symptoms and others experiencing more severe symptoms that significantly affect their quality of life. In addition to the skin manifestations, psoriasis can also affect the nails, causing changes such as pitting, discoloration, or separation from the nail bed.
In addition to the physical symptoms, psoriasis can also have a significant emotional and psychological impact, leading to feelings of self-consciousness, embarrassment, and stress.